Eritrea entry requirements for Denmark passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 16, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Danish passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Eritrea. As of 2026, there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for Danish citizens.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
You need a visa before traveling to Eritrea. Apply through the Eritrean Embassy or consulate in your country — there is no online eVisa system. Processing can take several weeks, so start early.Check visa infoRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Eritrea. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host ready. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you are visiting for tourism.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing sufficient funds can help if asked.Recommended
Visa required — no exceptions
Danish citizens cannot enter Eritrea without a pre-arranged visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Apply at the Eritrean Embassy in Copenhagen well in advance.
Cash is king
Credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring sufficient USD or EUR in cash to exchange for nakfa. ATMs are limited and often out of service.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at the Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean Embassy in Copenhagen (or the nearest consulate) to submit your visa application. Provide your passport, completed application form, passport photos, and any supporting documents they request. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies of both confirmations on your phone and a printed backup.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
When you land at Asmara International Airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask a few questions about your stay.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. Declare any restricted items. Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Denmark Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 16, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
CostUnknown (check embassy)

Apply at Eritrean embassy in Denmark or nearest jurisdiction.

Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
CostUnknown (check embassy)

Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required; cost not publicly listed for Danish passport holders.Unknown (check embassy)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying.Unknown

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete visa application30%
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Eritrea

Transit visa required

A transit visa is required for Danish passport holders changing planes in Eritrea, even if staying airside.

Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM)

Health & vaccines for Eritrea

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present in all regions, especially lowlands; prophylaxis recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

High risk in all areas below 2,200m; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Asmara
Department of Immigration and Nationality
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

Practical information for DK travellers

Country basics
CapitalAsmara
LanguageTigrinya, Arabic, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyEritrean nakfa (ERN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 15 ERN
updated May 16
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C, LType C (two round pins) and Type L (three round pins) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police113
Medical114
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Danish passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary, but typically take 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure. The Eritrean Embassy in Copenhagen handles applications for Danish residents.
Visa fees depend on the type and duration. Contact the embassy directly for current fees. Expect to pay around 500–1000 DKK for a single-entry tourist visa.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of travel insurance. The embassy may request additional documents.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
Eritrea has a low crime rate, but the political situation is restrictive. Register with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel. Avoid photography near military sites and follow local laws strictly.
The local currency is the Eritrean nakfa (ERN). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough cash in US dollars or euros to exchange. ATMs are scarce and unreliable.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.